By: Women’s Fitness Philippines
It takes more than just being good at what you do to make a name in any industry you are in. It’s a combination of knowledge, grit, and ultimately, a collection of trials and errors. Bea Tan knows this. There’s so much to learn from this fit -in all definitions of the word, woman. We’re digging deeper on her journey behind the cameras and beyond what the eyes can see.
Her Early Glimpse on Entrepreneurship
Bea’s entrepreneurial mindset has already been evident as a young woman. Her student journey was more than books, friendships, academic and co-curricular achievements. She started navigating the business world as owner of Queens NY comfort food in her Alma Mater’s student mall -JSEC.
Growing up, Bea has always looked up to her dad being his own boss as a business owner. While tagging along with her dad to work during weekends, Bea picked values from him. She used this as a compass to decide what she wants for herself. Her heart always longed for creating something she can call her own. And just when she sees an opportunity, she won’t let it pass without trying. She mustered courage to convince her dad to invest, no matter how hard it could’ve been. With a winning mindset, the master franchise of Sunnies Studios in her hometown, Bacolod City, was born.
“It was a trendy brand but I knew what I wanted out of it, to test out in the real world how actual business works. And I did. After 5 months, I decided to open another branch. The thrill of opening something new, creating an event around it, that something that drew me.”
Bea with dad and mom
Her Strength and Courage
Bea is no stranger to criticisms, even that of the public. In college, she played alongside volleyball’s number one indoor player in the Philippines, Alyssa Valdez. The two played together in beach volleyball and weren’t exactly winning. This loss was attributed to her, nonetheless. The blame game was around her but never inside her. She lived with it by refocusing on getting better and seeing the bigger goals she has set for herself beyond her volleyball collegiate career.
Taking courage alone was not the reason behind birthing Beach Volleyball Republic. Bea’s strength came with humility and respect for women who made success possible. She rallied with her former seniors like Dzi Gervacio who was then her teammate playing Semi-Pro. She built a support system of women who share the same vision. She thought that finding the right people to share her vision, everything can be made possible.
“Getting the right people to share a vision and build the brand in the likes of Gretchen Ho who helped build a relationship and a partnership with ABSCBN S+A. And the final addition of Charo Soriano, Ateneo’s first ever coach who brought championship to women’s volleyball who brought the leadership to the group And Fille Cainglet Cayetano. All amazing women I look up to on and off the court.”
Charo Soriano, Gretchen Ho, Bea Tan, Dzi Gervacio
Her Passion and Dedication
As an athlete and founder of BVR, Bea’s passion for the sport of volleyball is undeniable. But this passion wasn’t only the fuel that kept the fire burning. She always had the heart for her country, the Philippines. Known for its pristine beaches, she knew the potential it had as a venue not only for local tournaments but of Southeast Asia’s.
“Through BVR, the Philippines became one of the hosts for the FIVB World Tour in Manila in 2018 and Boracay in 2019. Arguably, we are the biggest, most popular, and only nationwide tournament. We continuously aim to be the most prestigious Beach Volleyball Organization in Southeast Asia.”
The growth of the sport in the country promoted tourism and encouraged grassroots communities. Her vision sounds big and hairy -it was. But she took every single day as something to be excited for. Her enthusiasm naturally was there, never wearing down.
“I craved the feeling of looking forward to the opening day of my business, an event I can work on with timelines and checklists. I merged that with my longing to play beach volleyball and Beach Volleyball Republic came about.”
Being a good athlete and an entrepreneur comes far beyond being a good human being. Bea is no stranger to serving others. She sets a standard for herself and acknowledges that each of us has a voice and that we have a role; that we can find a silver lining in the blackest storm we could imagine; that we can work on ourselves while being an inspiration to others.
“Learning to sit and do nothing, taking time to think things through and create conversations with myself. Accepting things that I cannot change and facing the fear of being bored and not doing anything. Slowly learning to accept things as it is, it has given me a whole new set of eyes to see the things I should see. Sometimes tough to see reality but it is what liberates us and makes us move forward. “
Her Continuous Evolution
Emerging after months of staying at home, Bea is still as passionate about fitness, sports, and business as ever, even surprising herself with the little things she learned about herself.
“I am busy learning other aspects of me and busy trying out and discovering new passions. 2020 was a whole year spent contemplating and appreciating the journey I have been through as an athlete where health and fitness have always played a very important role. This has brought me the inspiration to expand myself in something outside of my volleyball world – something a lot more people can relate to. This brings me to a world that’s bigger than volleyball where I can share my unique journey towards being fit and healthy.”
While there’s a temporary suspension of sporting events, this only highlights the values that it brings us: camaraderie, team spirit, and how being a supporter for mindful and healthy living is a form of life support. Currently, she puts her energy into BFH Lifestyle (Be Fit and Healthy) promoting the habit of mindful eating and exercise. It highlights the message that each person’s journey is unique, and that health and fitness are merely just a way of getting to know ourselves more.
Bea’s strength came with humility and respect for women who made success possible.
“(I’m) working on my best self while I wait for the next opportunity to be able to compete again. I am working towards making a small ripple of change for my community by promoting how mindful eating and exercise can get us to live healthier, happier, and better.”
Bea continues to grow and expand herself. What motivates her is her belief that we can take part in the change. A change beyond ourselves, with accountability, will take us there faster. She believes that the journey gets more meaningful when shared with others. She looks forward to meeting more people and taking part in their journey of self-discovery, self-mastery, and self-love as she continues towards her own.
If her past actions are any indicator of her expertise, we’re sure she’ll ace through anything she wishes to pursue.
Getting To Know THE SELF
5 Questions you can ask yourself and reflect on.
Bea Tan answers for herself.
What was the biggest of all the challenges you had to face?
Learning to sit and do nothing, taking time to think things through and create conversations with myself. Accepting things that I cannot change and facing the fear of being bored and not doing anything. Slowly learning to accept things as it is, it has given me a whole new set of eyes to see the things I should see. Sometimes tough to see reality but it is what liberates us and makes us move forward.
How did this impact your mental and physical health? Spirituality?
I am mentally tougher and more in touch spiritually. I am less ‘fitter’ and I can’t probably last a whole beach volleyball match if I compete right now but I am better. Still continuously finding the balance. And I am much wiser now to believe that we are given what we need at the right place and time so there’s no need to always fight the current.
Have your priorities and goals changed?
I’ve always been too idealistic about things and aiming for something always bigger – my dream for BVR, to one day be known worldwide through world class beach volleyball tournaments in our beautiful island is still there. And I know that is only a matter of time until that happens. The journey towards there may not be the same as how I thought it would be. As we grow into this world, we see things better, brighter and that goes in line with what my Lasallian and Jesuit education has taught me – to be a person for others. However, it is only now that I realized that far more importantly, in order for me to serve others, I need to make sure I am equipped with all the tools I need and that means constantly working towards being my best self. So I am reminded to be the best person I can be so I can be the best person I can be for others.
What have you discovered about yourself that you have not been consciously aware of before?
That with the right attitude and mindset, we can adapt and we can learn to take control of the things we can and let go of the things that are beyond us.
How do you see yourself in the near future?
Working on my best self while I wait for the next opportunity to be able to compete again. I am working towards making a small ripple of change for my own community by promoting how mindful eating and exercise can get us to live healthier, happier and better. This year, I look forward to meeting more people and taking part of their own journey of self discovery, self mastery and self love as I continue towards my own.
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